The package proposing liberalization of visas between the EU and Armenia is an absolutely transparent process intended to be completed within the coming four years.

But there are good chances to finalize the process within shorter timeframes, says Tevan Poghosyan, an opposition MP from the Heritage party.

“I believe that the developments in the region, and Armenia’s conscientious attitude provide a good background allowing the EU to complete the liberalization in the two or three years to come,” he said, adding that they expect to get the negotiations under way later this year.

Asked whether Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) could be an obstacle, the lawmaker noted that the political clauses enshrined in the recently initialed Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement almost repeat the political chapters of the EU-Armenia Association Agreement. “After learning the lessons of September 3 [the day in 2013 when President Serzh Sargsyan announced Armenia’s willingness to join the Eurasian Customs Union, a move which marked a U-turn on the country’s foreign policy agenda], I don’t think we have any obstacles in terms of liberalizing visas,” he added.

The package, if approved, will relieve Armenian citizens of the burden of visiting embassies or queuing up outside visa centers for obtaining entry permits to EU member states, Poghosyan said.